Diathermy Versus Ligation for Hemostasis in Tonsillectomy - A Study on Postoperative Pain and Hemorrhage

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the difference between suture ligation and diathermy techniques of tonsillectomy in our setting and to select a better and safer haem procedure for tonsillectomy.

Study Design: Single blind comparative interventional type of study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur and Shahina Jamil Hospital Abbottabad from 1^st March 2010 to 31^st January 2011.

Materials and Methods: 80 patients were divided into suture ligation and diathermy groups and their postoperative pain and bleeding rates were compared and analyzed

Results: We found that the difference in results of hemostasis between ligation and diathermy was statistically significant in terms of postoperative pain. Regarding postoperative haemorrhage, the difference between diathermy and ligation was non-significant

Conclusions: It is concluded that in our set up, tonsillectomy hemostasis with diathermy was a better and safer technique comparing ligation especially in terms of postoperative pain.